Waterloo and Beyond

Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region is a hub of economic, scientific, and social activity, where groundbreaking research and a thriving tech startup scene are complemented by rural roots and safe, friendly neighbourhoods. Situated in Ontario, Canada, amid the five Great Lakes, the region is a diverse and prosperous place that inspires big thinking.

Students, researchers, professionals, and families alike are attracted by this combination of city and country living, favourable cost of living, healthy environment, short walks or commutes to work, and a high quality of life. Canada is a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative country, and the Perimeter team works to ensure visiting and immigration is made simple.

Waterloo Region is made up of three urban centres and four rural townships that, combined, offer four hospitals, more than 150 public schools, 20 private schools, two universities, one college, six world-leading research centres, a large high-tech cluster, a performing arts centre, parks, museums, and beautiful natural surroundings to explore.

“I’m getting to know Waterloo very well, and it is clear to me that this place is special. It’s special for many reasons, including its collaborative culture, its research excellence, its philanthropic visionaries and its leadership in post-secondary education.” - Stephen Hawking

Perimeter Institute is located in the heart of a district known as "Uptown Waterloo" – home to a majority of the region's restaurants, pubs, cafés, galleries, an independent three-screen cinema, hotels, and more. Many parks, trails, sports fields, tennis courts, cricket pitches, pools, ice rinks and other recreational facilities are within easy walking distance.

A variety of restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, and tea rooms offer a range of cuisine, pub-fare, snacks, and micro-brewed beers. Many are independently owned and operated with friendly faces to welcome you.

Along the Grand River and throughout local conservation areas are many locations to hike, camp, canoe, kayak, horseback ride and ski. Perimeter staff will help you with options. And within a two hour radius of PI are a number of provincial parks to explore. These include MacGregor Point, The Pinery, and Long Point.

Those seeking sandy beaches, sailing, scuba diving, and sunsets over the water will enjoy the beautiful Lake Huron coastline just two hours away, and the slightly more rugged Bruce Peninsula. And more dedicated trekkers may wish to drive further north to the incredibly vast and beautiful Algonquin Park, where Director Neil Turokcanoed and portaged his way through the Canadian wilderness.

Cosmopolitan activities can be found in Toronto (1.5 hours by car from Waterloo) - the nation's largest city, home to six million people in what is known as the Greater Toronto Area, or GTA. Perimeter's shuttle van, train, bus, or car services connect you to the downtown -- one of the world's most multicultural centres -- where you can venture into Little Italy, Little Portugal, Chinatown, Cabbagetown, The Annex and other vibrant areas.

Toronto has over 7,000 restaurants, cafés and bars to explore –- including one high atop the CN Tower. Some of the more popular spots include the Bamboo Club, The Uniun, Fluid Lounge, rooftop action at Cube Nightclub and the iconic El Mocambo - known simply as 'the Elmo' made famous by U2 and Rolling Stones. More information about the activities and nightlife in Toronto can be found by visiting www.toronto.com.